European Union lauds Supreme Court ruling on Presidential poll

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM) has lauded Kenya’s Supreme Court ruling to annul President Uhuru Kenyatta’s election win last month and ordering a fresh poll within 60 days, saying that “it demonstrates the independence of Kenya’s Judiciary.”

Through a statement to the press, EOM says that it sent its observers to follow the petition process, praising the court for conducting itself in a diligent, open and thoroughly manner within short timelines.

The commission also lauded lawyers of different teams in the petition as they appreciated the highest court in Kenya and provided an enabling environment for the seven-judge bench to critically and independently execute the petition filed by NASA presidential candidate, Raila Odinga.

However, EOM has defended itself as they were among the international bodies that acknowledged IEBC for conducting what they termed ‘a free and transparent electoral process that reflected the will of the people’. EOM says that despite acknowledging that, they were also quick to point out some faults in the process.

“Some shortcomings were noted, including inconsistent procedures for the complementary mechanisms used and staff difficulties in completing results forms. On 16 August the EU EOM called for the IEBC to publish all results forms (34As and 34Bs), as the delay in publication was problematic. Full transparency is necessary for all stakeholders to have confidence in the announced results,” read the statement from EU EOM.

The commission maintains that it remains impartial and independent, observing the elections according to Kenya’s national law and international commitments it has made.